The pink paper reports that his agent, Mino Raiola, has offered his services to United, with the idea that Jose Mourinho could potentially welcome another chance to work with the Italian and get him back on the right path.

The pair previously worked together at Inter and clashed, but there is undoubtedly still a level of respect between them and acknowledgment that they want the best for each other.

Further, Gazzetta go on to add that the influence of Zlatan Ibrahimovic could also be seen as a key factor in getting Balotelli focused and at the top of his game with the right people around him, and so time will tell as to whether or not a move to Old Trafford is a realistic possibility.

On the face of it, it doesn’t seem likely for a variety of reasons. Balotelli hasn’t been in good form for some time, comes with history and perhaps isn’t worth the gamble.

However, it shouldn’t be entirely ruled out as if available at a cost that wouldn’t greatly impact United, they may well decide to add depth to their squad and bring in the enigmatic striker, provided Liverpool give it the green light.